Groove – Episode #1: Robert Trujillo

Editor’s note: Welcome to the debut of Groove – The No Treble Podcast. Hosted by Mitch Joel, we plan to bring a different podcast to you each month. Be sure to check out how to subscribe below.

Robert Trujillo is known to millions of people – all over the world – as Metallica’s bass player. Fans of Metallica know Trujillo as the guy who replaced Jason Newsted in 2003. Both Trujillo and Newsted had tough boots to fill after original Metallica bassist, Cliff Burton, was killed in a tour bus accident in 1986. Prior to Metallica, Trujillo rose to rock notoriety as the bass player in Suicidal Tendencies. He then went on to play in Infectious Grooves, for Ozzy Osbourne and has done work with Black Label Society and Alice In Chains’ Jerry Cantrell.

As Metallica heads back into the studio to write and record new music, Trujillo has also been hard at work keeping the spirit of Jaco Pastorius alive. Along with being the producer for the soon-to-be-released documentary, Jaco, Trujillo also played an integral role in recovering Jaco’s famed instrument, the bass of doom, which he now holds on behalf of the Pastorius family. In this, Trujillo has become both lauded and questioned by the bass playing community.

In this first episode of Groove – The No Treble Podcast, we talk about the influence of Jaco in his life, his creativity, his plans for Metallica, and the art of playing the bass. Enjoy the conversation…

Thanks, Jeferson… the plan is to get enough stories in the can so that we can shift it over to two times per month. We also want to see what the community’s appetite will be, as this is longform content ;)

Robert Trujillo inspired me to play the bass, and Metallica being my favorite band prior to him becoming the bassist, as well as listening to him play since suicidal tendencies, made me so happy that he joined Metallica. Best band and best bassist by far in my opinion. Awesome interview as well!!!

Mitch, you did an awesome job and asked great questions. I learned a lot about Robert and Metallica from this interview and it is very interesting especially when you are a long time fan like myself. Keep up the great work. Truly awesomeness!!!!